If you had a dream vacation, where would you go? Hawaii? London? The Cayman Islands? Or would you go somewhere fun with your family to get away from the hustle and bustle of life? What would you take with you on that trip – and by that you know I mean cosmetic and beauty products – the stuff that really counts?

Tartan + Twine Brinton Alley Beauty Organizer

*pr samples

I’m not a big traveler although I’ve certainly had some amazing vacations but when I go somewhere I need my cosmetics and my tools. A vacation wouldn’t be fun if I was empty handed. Since I don’t travel often it took me forever to use this terrific Tartan + Twine Brinton Alley Beauty Organizer which I now regret.

I’ve never enjoyed a beauty organizer as much as I do this one. It’s totally compact (only 8″ x 5″ x 2″) yet it holds a collection that a beauty junkie can appreciate. I was able to carry every cosmetic item I’d decided to take on my vacation and still had room for more. It has two pouches that are detachable, a makeup brush organizer, and a side zip pouch.

Tartan + Twine Brinton Alley Beauty Organizer

Tartan + Twine Brinton Alley Beauty Organizer

The material that the Beauty Organizer is made of is very sturdy so this is a bag that will last you for years. The quality of the construction is top notch. It’s made of coated cotton with uncoated cotton trim, the detachable pouches are made of uncoated cotton and clear PVC. While the Brinton Alley with its great red and black tartan plaid isn’t available because I am late reviewing it, they have a lot of other bags at Ulta and Ulta.com including this gorgeous new Waverly Vine Beauty Organizer that is spring personified.

I get a little crazy when it comes to germs when I’m traveling so the Violife Slim Sonicis perfect for me. Not only does it come in the cutest designs for approximately $15.95 but it keeps everything sanitary. Since it closes I can even keep it in my purse without worrying about it. The Slim Sonic is a battery operated toothbrush (included) and it cleans at 22,000 brushstrokes per minute.

Violife Slim Sonic toothbrush

Violife Slim Sonic toothbrush

Violife Slim Sonic toothbrush

Diagram Tech Details

Sonic-optimizing precision bristles

6 months replaceable brush-heads

Water-tight motor chamber

Soft-touch power switch

Waterproof battery compartment

Moisture-releasing vented cap

The Slim Sonic comes with an extra toothbrush head as well as a battery. It has a vented cap so that it the bristles can dry completely while it’s closed. The bristles on the Violife are “sonic-optimizing precision bristles”. It’s a comfortable size and feel for my mouth. I need to get my husband a more masculine one since pink just isn’t his color!

You can find Violife at Bed, Bath and Beyond stores, Amazon and Violife.com.

The Tartan + Vine Organizer and classic Violife Slim Sonic make me wish I traveled more. A trip to the Cayman Islands would be welcome right now or anytime actually. — Marcia

STOCKING STUFFERS are either the most fun items to buy or the hardest ones to buy. All ages love gift cards but that’s too impersonal (unless it’s a fussy teen who hates anything you picked). This year do something different and do a themed stocking. My theme is for my favorite females and it’s all about nails.

SOME FAVORITES ….

1. VIOLIFE SLIM UNO PORTABLE NAIL KIT is cute and practical. It’s a battery powered manicure kit that is 4 tools in one. It comes with an emery board and replacement pad, a shaping file, buffer with a replacement pad and a cuticle pusher. It comes in a carrying case so it’s perfect for the travelers you know and it’s cute enough to make every woman smile. Also check out Violife’s great travel toothbrushes which come in a style for everyone on your list.

Violife Slim Uno

Violife Slim Uno

2. NAIL BUTTER is going to change the nail life of the lucky recipient. This non-greasy butter comes in 2 fragrances, lemongrass and geranium. This is a pure, all-natural product that contains essential oils and lanolin. It can be used just about anywhere you need some softening. But the beauty of it is what it does for you nails. It not only helps strengthen nails but it’s great for encouraging growth. Your cuticles will be moisturized and look better than ever. Maybe you should put this on your list while you’re at it!

Nail Butter

Nail Butter

3. MONT BLEU CRYSTAL NAIL FILES has a certain je nais se quois about them. These are the products you want to put in an adult’s stocking because it will blow her away. No one has the quality of Mont Bleu’s files nor the stunning designs and colors. You could easily buy a different one for every female on your list without repeating designs. Expect a “WOW” when it’s opened.

Mont Bleu

Mont Bleu

4. FARMHOUSE FRESH MARSHMALLOW MELT is an all purpose Shea Butter Balm that is slim enough to fit into a cosmetic bag. It combines pure shea, cocoa and mango butters to make it an all-purpose balm. You can use this on your feet, your hands, elbows and even lips. The fragrance is enticing and not too sweet. You won’t feel like a child using this or smelling it on your body since it adds a little tonka bean and sandalwood to cut the sweetness but leave it smelling good enough to eat.

Farmhouse Fresh Marshmallow Melt

Now to the nail polish! I’m a nail polish fanatic and want to wear a different one every week. That means I need at least 52 polishes a year (a hint to my family who might be reading). I chose 3 different brands at 3 different prices. All are high quality and wear beautifully.

1. PURE ICE NAIL POLISH ($1.97 each) has a new winter collection called Fairytale Forest that is sweet and fun along with a nice change of pace from the typical greens and reds of the season. I chose Pure Ice because it contains some of the Pantone colors of 2016 that were just announced. Pinks and light blues make me smile.

Pure Ice Prince Charming with Stella Grace

Pure Ice True Love’s Kiss

2. KBSHIMMER always makes me ecstatic. Each season they create a new collection that makes my heart flutter plus they have their permanent collection. All are not only beauties but the wear is incredible. I have a thing for their holographs like Coal in One and Fig-Get About it. ($8.75)

KBShimmer Coal in One

KBShimmer Fig-Get About It

3. butterLONDON polishes make me so happy. It’s hard to walk out of Ulta without perusing their selection and I often walk out with one. KIP was a favorite this past summer and now it’s coming out again so I can be in tune with Pantone now! This is an oxford blue men’s shirt come to life. If you insist on red for Christmas though there’s lots to choose from, especially Knees Up which I love!($15)

butter LONDON Kip in sunlight

butter LONDON Knees Up

Now you know how to make a female happy. Buy her a few fabulous polishes, a terrific hand/cuticle cream, and a perfect nail file! She’ll be your BFF forever. — Marcia